JONES v. UNUM LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY OF AMERICA (2018)

Sheela Jones appeals the district court's order granting summary judgment to Defendants on her complaint seeking relief under the Employment Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA), 29 U.S.C. §§ 1001-1461 (2012). Jones requested a declaration that she was entitled to disability benefits, as well as statutory penalties for Defendants’ failure to timely produce a copy of her employer's short term disability benefits plan. We affirm.

“When considering an ERISA benefit determination, we review the district court's decision de novo, employing the same standards governing district court review of a plan administrator's discretionary decision.” Solomon v. Bert Bell/Pete Rozelle NFL Player Ret. Plan, 860 F.3d 259, 264 (4th Cir. 2017) (internal quotation marks omitted). Accordingly, we review the plan administrator's decisions for abuse of discretion, and will uphold any reasonable decision. Champion v. Black & Decker ( U.S. ) Inc., 550 F.3d 353, 359 (4th Cir. 2008). “A decision is reasonable if it is the result of a deliberate, principled reasoning process and if it is supported by substantial evidence.” Solomon, 860 F.3d at 264 (internal quotation marks omitted). In evaluating a plan administrator's decision to deny a benefits claim, we are guided by the nonexhaustive list of factors articulated in Booth v. Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. Assocs. Health & Welfare Plan, 201 F.3d 335, 342-43 (4th Cir. 2000).

After carefully reviewing the record, the district court's detailed oral ruling at the hearing, the parties’ arguments on appeal, and the relevant Booth factors, we conclude that the plan administrator did not abuse its discretion in denying Jones’ disability claims. We further conclude that the district court did not abuse its discretion in denying Jones’ motion for sanctions. See Davis v. Featherstone, 97 F.3d 734, 738 (4th Cir. 1996) (stating standard of review).

Accordingly, we affirm the district court's judgment. We dispense with oral argument because the facts and legal contentions are adequately presented in the materials before this court and argument would not aid the decisional process.

AFFIRMED

PER CURIAM:

Affirmed by unpublished per curiam opinion. Unpublished opinions are not binding precedent in this circuit.